The feasibility and effectiveness of Catch It, an innovative CBT smartphone app. Issue 3 (May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kinderman, Peter; Hagan, Paul; King, Sophie; Bowman, James; Chahal, Jasprit; Gan, Li; McKnight, Rebecca; Waldon, Charlotte; Smith, Matthew; Gilbertson, John; Tai, Sara
• Is Part Of: BJPsych open. Volume 2:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 204
• Page End: 209
• Publication Date: 2016-05
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Mental health -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjpo.bp.115.002436
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-4724

Abstract

Abstract : Background: The widespread use of smartphones makes effective therapies such as cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) potentially accessible to large numbers of people. Aims: This paper reports the usage data of the first trial of Catch It, a new CBT smartphone app. Method: Uptake and usage rates, fidelity of user responses to CBT principles, and impact on reported negative and positive moods were assessed. Results: A relatively modest proportion of people chose to download the app. Once used, the app tended to be used more than once, and 84% of the user-generated content was consistent with the basic concepts of CBT. There were statistically significant reductions in negative mood intensity and increases in positive mood intensity. Conclusions: Smartphone apps have potential beneficial effects in mental health through the application of basic CBT principles. More research with randomised controlled trial designs should be conducted.